Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Meets President Moon: "Core Interests and Concerns of Each Country Must Be Respected"

Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, who visited Korea, stated on the 15th during his meeting with President Moon Jae-in that China and Korea "must respect each other's core interests and major concerns," according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Wang said, "Since China and Korea have different national circumstances, they must always respect each other's development paths, core interests, major concerns, as well as ethnic, cultural traditions, and public sentiments," the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained.

Minister Wang's mention of "mutual respect for core interests and concerns" is interpreted as a hope that Korea will not get involved in the US and other Western countries' offensive against China. Earlier, in the joint statement of the Korea-US summit held in Washington DC in May, the phrase "the two presidents emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" was included. This attracted attention as it was the first time that the Korea-US leaders officially mentioned China and Taiwan issues in a formal document.

Minister Wang also emphasized cooperation between the two countries. He stressed, "Efforts in this (respect for core interests and concerns) area must continue," adding, "This is indispensable for the healthy development of bilateral relations."

Regarding inter-Korean issues, Minister Wang stated, "Peace on the Korean Peninsula was hard-won and must be cherished more," and asserted, "We must overcome and exclude all kinds of obstacles to seek improvement in inter-Korean relations and steadily promote the peace process on the Korean Peninsula."

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